Be clear on cancer

ASIAN and black cancer survivors feature in a new film which highlights blood in urine as a key symptom for kidney and bladder cancers as part of Public Health England’s new campaign.

The film also highlights cultural issues associated with cancer that can delay ethnic minorities from seeing their doctor early when they notice unusual symptoms.

In total, around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with either bladder or kidney cancer every year, and around 7,600 people die annually.

Jhumur Pati, consultant urologist from Barts Health NHS Trust, who features in the advertisement, said bladder and kidney cancers are more treatable if they are found early.

“Some prefer to see a spiritualist rather than going to see their doctor or self-treat symptoms with herbal remedies. There is nothing wrong with seeing a spiritualist however, I would encourage those who notice blood in their urine, even if it’s just the once, to visit their doctor straight away.”

For those diagnosed at the earliest stage, the likelihood of surviving five years or more can be as high as 84 per cent for kidney cancer and 77 per cent for bladder cancer.

However, for those diagnosed at a late stage-stage 4, survival is as low as only 10 per cent for kidney cancer and nine per cent for bladder cancer.

Jyoti Howe, a bladder cancer survivor who featured in the film, said she was fit and healthy when she noticed blood in her urine.

“I realised that I needed to get medical help straightaway. When they told me I had bladder cancer, I thought they must have got it wrong, it’s a mistake.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t a mistake but luckily it was caught early and I was successfully treated.

“Having cancer has changed my outlook on life, before I took life for granted, now I make the most of it.

“I know cancer is still seen as a taboo in the Asian community, but I’m living proof that bladder cancer is more treatable if caught early.”